Controlled release evaluation of bacterial fertilizer using polymer composites as matrix

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.
• Controlled release systems enhance fertilizer efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Polybutylene succinate (PBSU) and starch composites offer potential for biodegradable applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate polybutylene succinate (PBSU)/starch composites as a biodegradable matrix for controlled bacterial fertilizer release.
• To investigate the effect of acrylic acid grafting on PBSU (PBSU-g-AA) on composite properties and performance.
• To assess the biodegradability and cell release characteristics of the developed composites.

Main Methods:

• Melting-blending method for composite preparation.
• Mechanical property characterization of PBSU and PBSU/starch composites.
• Evaluation of dispersion, homogeneity, and processability of modified composites.
• Encapsulation of bacterial fertilizer within PBSU and PBSU-g-AA/starch matrices.
• Assessment of biodegradability and bacterial cell release rates.

Main Results:

• Unmodified PBSU/starch composites exhibited poor mechanical properties due to low compatibility.
• Grafting PBSU with acrylic acid (PBSU-g-AA) significantly improved dispersion, homogeneity, and mechanical properties.
• PBSU-g-AA/starch composites demonstrated enhanced biodegradability and easier processing.
• Increased starch content in the matrix correlated with higher biodegradability and faster cell release.

Conclusions:

• PBSU-g-AA/starch composites are superior to unmodified PBSU/starch for controlled release applications.
• The enhanced biodegradability and tunable release characteristics make these composites promising for bacterial fertilizer delivery.
• This study highlights the potential of modified biodegradable polymers in advanced agricultural formulations.